| Intermediate Graphic Design |
Visual Communication Design |
3001 (002) |
Fall 2024 |
|
Description
Experiments in visual communication challenge the student to further refine visual thinking and integrate basic studies through applied problems. The importance of flexibility of approach is stressed at this level. Through experimentation, the problem is defined and organized; imagery and message are manipulated; awareness of potential solutions is increased. A student's portfolio must be pre-approved by the visual communication department for enrollment in this course.
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Class Number
2091
Credits
3
|
| Package Design |
Visual Communication Design |
3131 (001) |
Spring 2025 |
|
Description
Students produce simple and complex three-dimensional studies. Principles of abstraction combined with packaging construction techniques serve as the basis for developing solutions. A variety of assignments are given that explore the integration of typography, image, and form.
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Class Number
1799
Credits
3
|
| Heavy Cardboard: Designing Boardgames |
Visual Communication Design |
4020 (001) |
Spring 2025 |
|
Description
This course explores boardgame design as an expression of data visualization and user interface (UI) within a play environment. Teams of students will develop their chosen research areas into fun, strategic, well-crafted integrations of theme, game mechanics and world order. Resource management will provide a framework for developing mechanics, while playtesting and prototyping will drive teams¿ iterative process.
The only way to truly understand how boardgames work is to play boardgames and analyze the play experience. To this end, much of our in-class time will be spent 1.) playing existing games that highlight certain game mechanics and levels of difficulty, and 2.) repeatedly play-testing each others' evolving games. How does each game immerse us? Do their themes come forth and flow through the game mechanics? Are they fun, unpredictable, balanced? How does each one situate its players in a point of view? How does graphic design facilitate immersion and theme and an understanding of structures and actions. Lectures, team presentations, and individual team meetings with teachers will supplement game play.
The course will begin with one-week studio exercises focused on theming, game mechanics and visualization techniques for boardgames. Over the semester, teams of students will research, design and prototype a Eurostyle boardgame of their choosing. The final will include a prototype of the game, rulebook, and overview teach video.
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Class Number
1831
Credits
3
|
| Identity Systems |
Visual Communication Design |
4121 (001) |
Spring 2025 |
|
Description
This is an advanced studio course focusing on developing the methodology and skill sets required to shape a comprehensive visual identity system for commercial application. Students explore various practical facets of identity development: research, communication strategy, visual form, graphic standards, and implementation, with particular emphasis on mark-making, testing and refinement. Multiple approaches to identity design are examined and explored, including static, iterative, dynamic and kinetic systems.
Suggested readings and screenings vary and may include excerpts from Graphic Design, Now in Production (Blauvelt, 2011), Designing Brand Identity (Wheeler, 2013), Marks of Excellence (Mollerup, 2013), Logo Design Love (Airey, 2015), Signs and Symbols, Their Design and Meaning (Frutiger, 1978), Graphic Design/The New Basics (Lupton, 2015), and Saul Bass?s Bell System Pitch. The identity work of major branding firms, such as Pentagram, Sagmeister, and Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv are examined as well as the work of independent, highly regarded design professionals.
Students will work on a progressive sequence of assignments as a way to build skills, learning and confidence in a didactic manner, culminating in a large-scale identity system, prepared for professional grade presentation.
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Class Number
1802
Credits
3
|
| Identity Systems |
Visual Communication Design |
4121 (002) |
Fall 2024 |
|
Description
This is an advanced studio course focusing on developing the methodology and skill sets required to shape a comprehensive visual identity system for commercial application. Students explore various practical facets of identity development: research, communication strategy, visual form, graphic standards, and implementation, with particular emphasis on mark-making, testing and refinement. Multiple approaches to identity design are examined and explored, including static, iterative, dynamic and kinetic systems.
Suggested readings and screenings vary and may include excerpts from Graphic Design, Now in Production (Blauvelt, 2011), Designing Brand Identity (Wheeler, 2013), Marks of Excellence (Mollerup, 2013), Logo Design Love (Airey, 2015), Signs and Symbols, Their Design and Meaning (Frutiger, 1978), Graphic Design/The New Basics (Lupton, 2015), and Saul Bass?s Bell System Pitch. The identity work of major branding firms, such as Pentagram, Sagmeister, and Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv are examined as well as the work of independent, highly regarded design professionals.
Students will work on a progressive sequence of assignments as a way to build skills, learning and confidence in a didactic manner, culminating in a large-scale identity system, prepared for professional grade presentation.
|
Class Number
2222
Credits
3
|
| Viscom Seminar: Narrative Architecture |
Masters in Fine Arts |
5320 (001) |
Fall 2024 |
|
Description
This critique seminar explores the structure of storytelling. Students review traditional dramatic form, incorporate methods of collaging content and explore experimental narrative structures and physical configurations. The course begins and ends with targeted design+writing projects utilizing non-linear narrative methods such as circular or never-ending, list formats, and multiple perspectives. Here, students focus on new forms as a means of driving narrative. In between, a longer investigation with a more expanded process focuses on analogy and its relationship to narrative. Using analogy, students deploy various research strategies and novel mapping techniques, fashioning stories out of the strange or incongruous, prodding connections that push against cliche. Each project in this seminar reconsiders basic tenets of reading?flow, dramatic pacing, the capacity to be entertaining.
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Class Number
1678
Credits
3
|
| Viscom Seminar: Narrative Architecture |
Masters in Fine Arts |
5320 (002) |
Fall 2024 |
|
Description
This critique seminar explores the structure of storytelling. Students review traditional dramatic form, incorporate methods of collaging content and explore experimental narrative structures and physical configurations. The course begins and ends with targeted design+writing projects utilizing non-linear narrative methods such as circular or never-ending, list formats, and multiple perspectives. Here, students focus on new forms as a means of driving narrative. In between, a longer investigation with a more expanded process focuses on analogy and its relationship to narrative. Using analogy, students deploy various research strategies and novel mapping techniques, fashioning stories out of the strange or incongruous, prodding connections that push against cliche. Each project in this seminar reconsiders basic tenets of reading?flow, dramatic pacing, the capacity to be entertaining.
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Class Number
1764
Credits
3
|
| Graduate Projects: Visual Communications |
Masters in Fine Arts |
6009 (141) |
Spring 2025 |
|
Description
Taken every semester, the Graduate Projects courses allow students to focus in private sessions on the development of their work. Students register for 6 hours of Graduate Project credit in each semester of study.
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Class Number
2145
Credits
3 - 6
|
